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Rosario makes debut as Rockies' first baseman

Rosario makes debut as Rockies' first baseman

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Rockies gave rookie Wilin Rosario, their starting catcher, his first career start at first base on Thursday afternoon against the Giants.

Jordan Pacheco, who has played first and third this year but has some history at the position, started at catcher with Jorge De La Rosa on the mound in his comeback from Tommy John surgery last year.

"The guy [Rosario] has 25 home runs," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "If you have the opportunity to place 25 home runs in the lineup you want to do so, instead of leaving him off to the side and waiting for one at-bat."

Tracy said it could be a way of keeping Rosario on the field when he doesn't catch. The Rockies want Rosario to overcome defensive deficiencies at catcher, but no doubt will also have to be prepared if a position change is in order.

However, there are plenty of candidates at first. Pacheco and Tyler Colvin have been playing it in the final days of this season. Injured Michael Cuddyer plays there. Of course, veteran Todd Helton is hoping to come back from hip surgery next season.

Tracy said he will discontinue using Rosario at thrid base, where he has made three appearances covering 4 2/3 innings. One was startlingly bad.

"The balls that found him and the way he reacted, it's not an option," Tracy said. "It's a compromise to that player. It's a compromise to the pitching staff."